In vitro synthesis of mycorrhizae between presumed specific and nonspecific Pinus + Suillus combinations [Pinus resinosa, Pinus strobus, fungi]

Mycorrhizal synthesis was successful between Pinus resinosa and Suillus americanus, S. brevipes (two isolates), S. luteus, and S. neoalbidipes, and between Pinus strobus and Suillus americanus, S. brevipes (two isolates), S. granulatus, S. pictus, and S. punctipes. Mycorrhizae formed by all combinations were similar in that all had multiple dichotomous branches, hyphae and hyphal strands with microscopic, pigmented, surface incrustations surrounding the mycorrhizae and roots, and in the mantle organization. Mycorrhizae differed in the macroscopic color of the mantle and surrounding hyphae and hyphal strands, the amount of hyphal surface incrustation present, the organization of individual hyphae in the mantle layers, the width of the mantle, the presence of clamp connections, and the amount of radial elongation of cortical cells. Data on additional diagnostic characters must be collected and evaluated for value in the identification of mycobionts of field-collected mycorrhizae.